Share a WDW moment: It’s a Star Wars Weekend! It's today - BUH-BYE!!!!

[jmskinner]

Hi Vickie! This is strange, I noticed you and Wildcatfan discussing tickers and then just noticed ours weren't working. I don't know if it is because the Dis now has its own tickers, http://distickers.com/ticker/stepone/vacation.html, or what? I redid mine though. Not too happy with them, but they are still countdowns. Did you see that I have two? I know, I'm a spoiled brat. Debating whether to start a new PTR.

Ohanna looks like fun. Looking forward to giving it a try. Plus, haven't explored the Polynesian, so I will be taking lots of photos.

And I wondered if you saw this Ridemakerz

This looks really cool. Expensive, but cool. I may have to build one myself.

We don't have long now!

 

[wildcatfan]

I have going crazy trying to figure out why mine is not working!!!!! I guess I will have to redo it, and I agree they are not as cute!

I think you will love Ohauna. We have eaten there a couple of times. I also really like Kona Cafe which is located at the Poly too. The Poly is so beautiful and I enjoyed looking around the resort.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Sounds like a great plan for your first day! We have an ADR for Ohana too and I'm looking forward to trying it.

Someone said on another thread that the Poly truly feels Disney to them...I think they really get it right, there.

Your first day sounds ideal. We love 'Ohana. My husband actually makes it a requirement that we go every trip and he doesn't have to twist my arm. You are really starting things off on just the right foot. Can't wait to hear what is next.

Don't you love having a WDW tradition? Since we haven't been there in about 8 years, I think it will almost feel new again...

Yum! I can't wait to eat there again on our trip! We've never gone for breakfast. It looks like fun in your pictures!

That breakfast...we still talk about it. Wonderful! And perfect for the little ones.

Hi Vickie! This is strange, I noticed you and Wildcatfan discussing tickers and then just noticed ours weren't working. I don't know if it is because the Dis now has its own tickers, http://distickers.com/ticker/stepone/vacation.html, or what? I redid mine though. Not too happy with them, but they are still countdowns. Did you see that I have two? I know, I'm a spoiled brat. Debating whether to start a new PTR.

Okay, I saw a moderator on another thread saying they kept having virus popping up; so they looked up Google (something they do to figure out bad sites) and figured out that this site was causing issues. So, they quit allowing it.

Ohanna looks like fun. Looking forward to giving it a try. Plus, haven't explored the Polynesian, so I will be taking lots of photos.

And I wondered if you saw this Ridemakerz

This looks really cool. Expensive, but cool. I may have to build one myself.

We don't have long now!

Yes, I have seen that site...looks wild.

Melissa...I can't believe you've never explored the Poly...wow.

I have going crazy trying to figure out why mine is not working!!!!! I guess I will have to redo it, and I agree they are not as cute!

I think you will love Ohauna. We have eaten there a couple of times. I also really like Kona Cafe which is located at the Poly too. The Poly is so beautiful and I enjoyed looking around the resort.

We do, too. It's so peaceful...I love the dark wood and the atmosphere. We tried the Kona for breakfast once, and didn't care for the experience...but we might try it again...I hear good things about "Tonga Toast"?

 

[jmskinner]

Thanks for letting us know about the ticker info Vickie. I hope they add more soon. They didn't have a POR one.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, in addition to the $300 we got from the garage sale, I've saved enough $$ for the park tickets for the 3 of us!! It will be close, but by the time we leave for WDW, I will have enough cash for everything, including food! This became important to us early on, since we can't really go into any more debt just for a vacation.

For some reason, work has really gotten my attention lately, and I haven't been thinking as much about our vacation. In fact, it's almost been difficult to get excited...strange, huh? I've got pictures from previous visits that are on my work's screen-saver; even the background picture is of nighttime fireworks behind BCV! But still...

The one thing I have done is looked in the Unofficial Guide to WDW w/Kids to determine our first day at MK...and out of the multiple touring plans, I'm choosing this one:

Get there at rope drop
Go directly to Space Mountain (what a way to start the parks!!)
Ride Buzz Lightyear
Winnie Der Pooh
Mad Tea Party (not me...ugh)
Peter Pan's Flight
Haunted Mansion
Splash Mountain (or FP)
then BTMRR
Perhaps lunch at Columbian Harbour House (we loves the shrimps!!)
or Pirates of the Caribbean (and then lunch)
Jungle Cruise
(here I change up a bit)
Enchanted Tiki Room
(snax of my FIRST Dole Whip)
Hall of Prez
Mickey's PhilharMagic OR
Leave for resort time/dinner

...here's where I divert a bit, because this touring plan was designed for one day, and Melissa & her family will join us this day and then back at the resort...then dinner at O'Hana's.

We'll return and then maybe pick up the touring plan -- or -- we might skip it if the crowds are light and we want to ride the big rides again w/friends. The touring plan indicates to go to the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor Comedy Club and then catch the parade...since we have an early dinner rez, we might be able to squeeze in a few more things. OR -- it's not such a big deal...we might just go back to the resort.

The only thing is: it is awfully nice to catch the fireworks after the first day in the parks. Especially if it's your very first day, like it will be for DD's friend, Natalie.

Next UP: Our Sunday touring plan for DHS -- OR, does having a Star Wars Weekend change EVERYTHING?

 

[wildcatfan]

Sounds like a great first day plan. You have many of my favorites on the plan. I agree that it is great to see the fireworks and parade the first day if you can. There is something about the ones at MK that I love. Of course this year there will be a different parade and fireworks. I am sure going to miss Wishes!

 

[jmskinner]

Sorry work is keeping you so busy. I'm sure you will be hearing about the drama at Jonas' office.

The plan looks great Vickie. Something we usually do, if we don't have FP's for something else yet is grab one for Buzz. It is usually only 30 minutes out, so we take a break, have an ice cream or something and then walk on Buzz. Even when the wait time is 20 minutes we will do this.

As far as a plan for Sunday, we should probably wait until the schedule to SWW is out. See what all they plan on doing.

Have you seen the pins yet? Since there will be a Passholder pin and a DVC pin, I was wondering if you would buy me a DVC one and I'll get you the Passholder one if you want it. We were allowed two last year, haven't heard the limit this year.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Sounds like a great first day plan. You have many of my favorites on the plan. I agree that it is great to see the fireworks and parade the first day if you can. There is something about the ones at MK that I love. Of course this year there will be a different parade and fireworks. I am sure going to miss Wishes!

Thanks! The one thing about it is that I think we'll get all our favorites in, and then we can come back for a second day to do the faves and anything else the girls are interested in seeing. I, for one, would like to catch the Sword in the Stone thing that goes on by the carousel -- but I don't know if that's just for little kids?

Do you think Tinkerbell will still be part of the fireworks? That was always the really neat thing to look forward to!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Sorry work is keeping you so busy. I'm sure you will be hearing about the drama at Jonas' office.

The plan looks great Vickie. Something we usually do, if we don't have FP's for something else yet is grab one for Buzz. It is usually only 30 minutes out, so we take a break, have an ice cream or something and then walk on Buzz. Even when the wait time is 20 minutes we will do this.

As far as a plan for Sunday, we should probably wait until the schedule to SWW is out. See what all they plan on doing.

Have you seen the pins yet? Since there will be a Passholder pin and a DVC pin, I was wondering if you would buy me a DVC one and I'll get you the Passholder one if you want it. We were allowed two last year, haven't heard the limit this year.

I guess we could grab FPs for Buzz on our way to Space Mountain!

So, do they post the SWW schedule on the WDW site, or where? Probably on this WDWinfo site, huh?

I have seen a few pins, but i didn't know there was one for DVC! That would be pretty cool! Sure, I can do that. I think a lot of the DVC stuff is at Saratoga Springs...

Ahh...less than 2 months left... of course, you went to Epcot today.

 

[jmskinner]

So, do they post the SWW schedule on the WDW site, or where? Probably on this WDWinfo site, huh?

I have seen a few pins, but i didn't know there was one for DVC! That would be pretty cool! Sure, I can do that. I think a lot of the DVC stuff is at Saratoga Springs...

Ahh...less than 2 months left... of course, you went to Epcot today.

Studios Central usually has a lot of info on SWW. I'm sure the program guide will get posted out here also, probably the WDW website also.

Oh, the SWW DVC pin will only be found at DHS I believe. In that warehouse I was telling you about. Also, if you want any other DVC pins you can get them at Pintraders at DTD. I picked up one of the passholder ones and Chase Visa one last night.

And we only did the Sum of all Thrills, Spaceship Earth and let Jacob play at the playground yesterday at Epcot. Not a big day at Epcot.

 

[cinderella crazy]

Looks like you have a great plan! I don't know about you, but I am getting so excited! Won't be long now!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Looks like you have a great plan! I don't know about you, but I am getting so excited! Won't be long now!

Hey, girl -- I was just sayin' on your thread how LONG it seems before we're there!!

I think I measure these things in how much work I have to do before we go...and I know it's gonna be a lot. I'm in a two-person office and I have to stockpile the workload upfront so it won't come back on the other person while I'm gone.

*break-break*
I was telling Melissa the other day that I woke up an hour and a half early (before my alarm), having dreamed that we got our seat assignments for our flight to Orlando, and we were all sitting in middle seats, apart from each other.

Now, the reason this woke me up is because I had refused to pay extra for booking the seats early...this is one bit of news that hasn't seemed to make it on the headlines of airlines "sticking it to us" -- let's just charge them for reserved sitting arrangements!!

But now something was telling me, "book the seats. You'll regret it if you don't." So, that day, I jumped online to see the situation. The seats to MCO weren't a big deal -- flight from SAT to ATL was still pretty open for sitting 4 together, and from ATL to MCO. However, when I looked at our flight back, Airtran had changed it from a one-stop back through ATL to a NON-STOP back to SAT. They hadn't notified me.

Um...and there weren't many seats left.

So, $48 later, I had all assigned seats, 4 in a row (3 abreast, and one directly across the aisle) for all three flights. I grumbled, I complained, but I paid.

That did, however, help to bring home the realization that, sooner or later, we WOULD be getting on that airplane to Orlando...

 

[ScotsMinnie]

that was lucky you got your seats and maybe a non stop flight will be less hassle for you.

It is annoying how airlines are now trying to charge you for absolutely everything. We are flying to Ireland in June and have been told you MUST check in online or there will be a penalty. Luckily the checkin opens 2 weeks befire the flight so you are not searching for a computer with internet access when you are away but who has heard of checking in that far in advance? Madness!

We are only going for the weekend so not too bad for us.

At least now you have peace of mind for your trip. Nothing worse than stressing over the wee things like seats - it can make the run up to your trip stressful.

 

[cinderella crazy]

I still can't believe they charge people to pick their seats! Glad you were able to get your seats though!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

that was lucky you got your seats and maybe a non stop flight will be less hassle for you.

It is annoying how airlines are now trying to charge you for absolutely everything. We are flying to Ireland in June and have been told you MUST check in online or there will be a penalty. Luckily the checkin opens 2 weeks befire the flight so you are not searching for a computer with internet access when you are away but who has heard of checking in that far in advance? Madness!

We are only going for the weekend so not too bad for us.

At least now you have peace of mind for your trip. Nothing worse than stressing over the wee things like seats - it can make the run up to your trip stressful.

ScotsMinnie, I found it really ironic that we had this conversation, and now there are no flights out of most of Europe! This is where I couldn't imagine being a family who had planned and planned to go on vacation, to suddenly be upended by a volcano distraction. I mean, REALLY -- couldn't it have spewed ash in a different direction?? How selfish!

So, we must all count our blessings...and hope those who found themselves with no flights at all found something good out of their ordeal. I pray your trip isn't interrupted...!! I think I heard that it could go on for a month or so!

 

[ScotsMinnie]

ScotsMinnie, I found it really ironic that we had this conversation, and now there are no flights out of most of Europe! This is where I couldn't imagine being a family who had planned and planned to go on vacation, to suddenly be upended by a volcano distraction. I mean, REALLY -- couldn't it have spewed ash in a different direction?? How selfish!

So, we must all count our blessings...and hope those who found themselves with no flights at all found something good out of their ordeal. I pray your trip isn't interrupted...!! I think I heard that it could go on for a month or so!

Its a bit mad isnt it? I know lots of people that had gone abroad for the easter break and are now stuck. Some schools are no open because teachers are stuck abroad too.

DH was caught down in England on Tuesday and couldnt get back by air so had to do a mammoth drive and this morning had a 6 hour drive to a conference due to flights being cancelled. I do know of someone who cant get back form florida and they are delighted!!!!

Sadly I have no trip planned to ruin! Maybe I should just be glad of that! Apparently they are going to reopen airspace tomorrow.

Good job because apparently lots of our fresh fruit and veg that we import is running low!

All because of a little bit of ash!!!

 

[michellem1118]

I just found your pre-trip report, and decided to join in since I'll be there at the same time as you... staying at SSR for the time being because we don't want to move twice, and our waitlists haven't come through for us yet.

We're doing AKV-concierge level for a week next March, so I can't wait to see your TR when you get back & get all the details on that!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

It has been SO LONG since I've done anything on my PTR!

I guess I got motivated when I saw Cinderella Crazy's thread about getting her Mickey Mail -- so I booked our Magical Express today! I kept hoping my DH would do it because Member Services closes at 4:30pm our time, and I don't get off work until that time...and just kept forgetting during the weekend.

My only thought: with us being just outside of 30 days prior to our trip, will we get the luggage tags in time?

 

[cinderella crazy]

It has been SO LONG since I've done anything on my PTR!

I guess I got motivated when I saw Cinderella Crazy's thread about getting her Mickey Mail -- so I booked our Magical Express today! I kept hoping my DH would do it because Member Services closes at 4:30pm our time, and I don't get off work until that time...and just kept forgetting during the weekend.

My only thought: with us being just outside of 30 days prior to our trip, will we get the luggage tags in time?

I'm still crazy excited over my Mickey Mail!!! I hope you get your luggage tags in time!

 

[michellem1118]

It has been SO LONG since I've done anything on my PTR!

I guess I got motivated when I saw Cinderella Crazy's thread about getting her Mickey Mail -- so I booked our Magical Express today! I kept hoping my DH would do it because Member Services closes at 4:30pm our time, and I don't get off work until that time...and just kept forgetting during the weekend.

My only thought: with us being just outside of 30 days prior to our trip, will we get the luggage tags in time?

You should be fine - they'll just get your luggage tags out faster than they would if you'd called today for a trip in July or August. Speaking of... I need to call them with my flight info for a trip in July....